In a number of discussions I have seen people refer to beta readers. The concept introduces a few questions into my mind; specifically I was wondering at what point a beta reader usually reads a story, what is the result of a beta read, and how is it different than an editor.
I am asking, because I am not feeling particularly confident about either of the two stories that I am working on and was wondering if finding a beta reader and then an editor at a later point would be a wise approach before submitting. If so, is there anybody that would be interest in either being a beta reader or an editor for me? If curious, I can provide you with a message giving you a bit more of an outline on the first of the stories.
I wish I could offer
I wish I could offer to be either beta reader or editor, but I barely have enough time for my own stuff.
I think, though, that a person asks for help when they feel they need it, at any point in the process.
The difference between beta readers and editors is like this:
Some years back, a friend wrote a play as a dialog between two people, and asked me to read one of the parts to a gathering of friendly critics and editors.
When it was over, I told my friend how much I enjoyed the play, and indicated the parts that I thought were particularly well done and others that I found powerfully moving -- in fact, at two points it was difficult to continue reading, because it made me weep.
I was astonished when the critics and editors began talking. They took the play apart, commented on the overall structure, the placement of the various elements — while I couldn't even perceive that the play could be divided up at all!
They had recommendations on how pieces of the play should be moved around, eliminated, or expanded.
Their remarks were insightful, well-meant, and constructive. My friend thanked us all and then went and did whatever the hell she wanted with the next rewrite.
I was like a beta reader; the others were like editors. In the end, the author is the author — at least on this website! In other contexts, a publisher might have the final word.
please dont
stick to your own stuff. im addicted to Marcie lol. More marcie please. cant get enough of her adventures.
Well Stated, Kaleigh
I would love to sit on my beta reader's lap and closely gauge what makes her smile or weep. That is her purpose.
I would love to cram my mouse into my editor's ear when she makes ever so perfect changes. The nit she picks makes my writing more readable.
The line often grays.
Geoff is my all-time best beta reader. Amelia R is my all-time best editor. Erin is great at whatever you ask her to do for you.
Angela Rasch (Jill M I)
Angela Rasch (Jill M I)
Colder or Warmer
Ah yes, the number of times, when I was struggling with an idea, when I wished someone was there to play the colder or warmer game with me.
Good Question.
The following is my personal opinion (but it is based on a buncha years).
Can a Beta Reader be an editor? YES.
Can an editor be a Beta Reader? Again, yes.
So, what's the difference? For me, I'm looking for different feedback from someone I'd consider an alpha or beta reader and an editor.
From the alpha or beta readers, I'm looking for general feedback on plot and characterization and things of that matter.
While, from an editor, I'm looking for implementation nitty gritty. Assuming my basic plot and such is okay, I'm looking to an editor to help me to deliver my message most effectively. This includes gramer, spelling, word selection, etc.
One of those that reads for me initially acts as a beta reader and then later as an editor (once I get the story/chapter in a more final form).
I tend to look for alpha or beta reader feedback when my stories are in or near first draft state and more technical feedback (editing) when I "think" I'm closer to a final draft.
Annette
Synching with what I Thought
Thank you Kaleigh and Annette, your descriptions are fairly close to how I see the difference between beta reading and editing. It is good to see I was not barking up the wrong tree.
I have been both the beta and the beta-ie
In beta reading, test reading or, my favorite, being a scratch monkey, I am looking at a story from a reader’s standpoint, not a technical one. Mind you me looking at a story from a technical/grammatical standpoint is like letting me perform brain surgery, messy and the outcome is not likely to be favorable.
A test reader looks at how the story flows for them, what works and what doesn’t work to further their interest in and enjoyment of the reading *experience.* Sometimes a galling OOPS stands out and I will note a typo but that is not my job as a test reader. My job is to give the writer feedback on what does and does not work.
As a reader, my big bug-up-the-butt is motivation. What motivates a character to do as they do? I need not have every motivation or the character’s motivation may not be the real one, IE the character is deluded or confused, but I need something as a reader or it is all just pretty words.
Proofers make my words easy on the eyes. Test readers make my stories fun to read … I hope.
John in Wauwatosa
P.S.For a definition of scratch monkey see The Hacker's Dictionary, ver 2.
John in Wauwatosa
Beta readers are more like
Beta readers are more like copy editors or proofreader than actual editors.
They'll point out the missing words, the confusing pronoun usage (all too common is having a sentence or paragraph where you use he/him (or she/her) when there are two or more folks of that gender that could be the person being referred to).
They'll catch the bits where you left out info that was obvious to you, but not to the reader. They'll point out all sorts of things.
But they likely won't tell you how to write the story.
Brooke brooke at shadowgard dot com
http://brooke.shadowgard.com/
Girls will be boys, and boys will be girls
It's a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world
"Lola", the Kinks